The Tribune

THE Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines (BPCL) has been announced as the sponsor of the 2018 GBPA Conchman Triathlon.

The popular two-day cruise line will facilitate the import of international participants’ bikes for the November 3 competition, and gave away eight winners round trip tickets.

The cruise line has also provided travel for the event’s star patron and world-famous triathlete Hector Picard, who returned to Grand Bahama to participate for a third consecutive year.

Over the past three decades, the GBPA Conchman Triathlon has grown in popularity, attracting some of the world’s preeminent triathletes.

Since 1986, the event has provided an environment of friendly competition for both residents and visitors while encouraging physical health activity. “The support we’ve received from Paradise Cruises and their team has been invaluable” said GBPA Conchman Chairman Christopher Baker.

“Not only have they made it extremely easy for our participants and their bikes to get to the island, but they’ve been instrumental in the provision of prizes for winners in both the open and individual categories with reduced rates for travel and participants equipment.”

The cruise line, which has two ships that visit Grand Bahama daily, also hosted the Conchman Team, Picard and local media last week for a tour and sit-down discussion about next year’s plans.

BPCL Director of Guest Experience, Lionel Pirotte, a triathlete and iron man himself, is looking to provide even bigger prize options and travel deals for teams looking to race in The Bahamas. He and Mr Picard are also looking to organize some fun cruise and bike trips, to help promote the service and the event to more Floridians.

“This is definitely the kind of event Paradise Cruises wants to support” Mr Pirotte said.

“Not only do we get to encourage physical activity among our people, but we also appreciate Hector’s incredible physical efforts to inspire local children to participate and join this amazing endurance sport.”